Homecoming dance ticket sell-out surprises, angers
By Gaona Yang, Staff Writer -- yang11@up.edu
The sell-out surprised many students who assumed they could get a ticket at the last minute.
"We had to make decisions and some students didn't agree with the choices we made," White said.
Those decisions included whether CPB would sell out on Friday or hold tickets to sell at the door.
Since there was a high demand for tickets prior to the start of the dance, CPB decided against holding tickets for the dance in the case that students heard that the dance was sold out and didn't show up to buy the tickets on site.
While Chamness and her friends were disappointed that tickets were sold out, they resigned themselves to a change of plans for Homecoming weekend.
Other students were not so tame.
Some students used the UP's directory to track down White. They approached White and her friends in hopes of gaining entrance into the dance.
They showed up to her room on several occasions to request tickets.
"My privacy was invaded," White said. "I was surprised. I had to tell the front desk not to let anyone come see me. My friends are not affiliated with CPB, and even they were approached. That took it too far."
Others chose to lash out at Smith.
"I saw a whole different side of UP students and how they can behave," Smith said. "It was a little disappointing."
Smith was called a "b----" several times by students who were turned away at the dance.
Students were acting out of anger and frustration, Smith said. Many used profanity and walked away saying, "This is ridiculous."
It is fine for students to voice opinions and explain how they feel about the situation, but some went overboard, Smith said.
"This was not students stating opinions but arguing to get their way," Smith said. "Just be calm and respectful. Have a conversation. If you're acting that irrational, we're not going to let you in anyway."
While White understood students' anger and frustration, she suggested that students reconsider their actions in the future.
"I wish it didn't happen because UP students are better than that," White said. "It's never okay to use profanity or harsh language with a fellow student or staff member. It's not condoned, appreciated or tolerated."
Though CPB decided not to turn in any students, White said that students need to be aware that future lashing out may be reported to Natalie Shank, assistant director of Residence Life and student conduct coordinator, for repercussions.
"It's unfortunate that those were the choices they made in their behaviors and responses," Koffler said. "We feel bad that some students couldn't attend. Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible. We want events to provide for everyone but it's not always possible."
Chamness and her friends also gained a valuable experience, she said, though it is a two-way street.
"We'll definitely get our Dance of the Decades tickets earlier. But if organizers want it to be where most of the student body can go, then go to bigger venue," Chamness said. "Put more information online and update the sites to get messages out. For me, miscommunication was the big issue."
